The Needle-less Flu Shot - Homeopathics

In the devastating 1918 flu pandemic, which claimed more lives than World War I, only 1.05% of those who used homeopathic remedies perished... in contrast to a 28.2% death rate in those who used conventional treatment.

With flu season at hand once again, many people are lining up for their flu shots -- in spite of the controversy that surrounds it (for more about vaccines, see Daily Health News, February, 9, 2004).

While many readers were up in arms after my earlier article about the benefits of homeopathy (Daily Health News, July 25, 2005) the above statistics are enough for me to think it's worth investigating. I asked homeopathic expert Michael Carlston, MD, author of Classical Homeopathy (Churchill Livinstone), once again, for his recommendation on beating the flu this fall.

HOMEOPATHIC STRATEGY FOR THE FLU

Like all homeopathic treatments, flu-fighting strategies encourage the body to marshal its own healing resources to fight off the flu rather than simply suppress symptoms. And because they are so highly diluted, homeopathic preparations are not associated with the adverse effects of conventional medicines. Interestingly, one of the homeopathic treatments available today is actually based on the original samples of the 1918 serum, which was itself derived from a blood component taken from an infected person in 1918.

Homeopathic treatments are not flu-strain specific, as flu shots are. Rather, as with all homeopathic treatments, different ones work for different symptoms. Specific flu symptoms and characteristics will help determine the homeopathic medicine that is best for you, we hear from Dr. Carlston. Options include:

Gelsemium
Gelsemium was the primary homeopathic medicine used with great success during the 1918 flu pandemic. Dr. Carlston recommends gelsemium for flu sufferers who have extreme lethargy, fatigue and shakiness. Flu symptoms appropriate for treatment with gelsemium include :Dizziness and weakness, dullness, exhaustion, sleepiness and heaviness, Symptoms that grow worse with movement, Headache at the back of the head, Muscular soreness in the neck and shoulders, Stiff neck, Chills, including down the spine, Alternating sensations of hot and cold.

Bryonia
Bryonia is best for flu sufferers who are irritable and worried and, Greta Garbo-like, "just want to be alone." In contrast, flu sufferers who are better off with gelsemium do not have the energy to be this emotional. Symptoms that call for treatment with bryonia include: Dullness that is accompanied by irritability and worry, Headache in the forehead that feels better with pressure and worse with motion, An uncomfortable feeling of warmth with a strong desire for cool air, Extreme thirst for warm drinks.

Eupatorium perfoliatum
Eupatorium perfoliatum is for influenza accompanied by deep bone pain. It may feel as if your bones are actually broken, says Dr. Carlston. This pain is most pronounced just before and after chills. Eupatorium perfoliatum is most appropriate for a bout of influenza characterized by the following symptoms: Soreness and aching of the entire body, especially in the bones, Hoarseness and sore throat, A severe cough that hurts the head and chest, Thirst, Runny nose, inflammation and stinging tears, Bad digestion, stomach pains, constipation and excessive gas that may lead to vomiting.

Oscillococcinum
Oscillococcinum, in contrast to the other homeopathic medicines discussed here, is a more general flu remedy. One of the most widely used homeopathic medicines in the world, it is formulated from the liver and heart of the Barbary duck. Like humans, birds are susceptible to a variety of flu viruses, which in some cases may be transmitted to humans. This medicine was created by a French physician in 1925 in response to the disastrous 1918 pandemic. In recent years, it has resulted in milder symptoms and a shorter duration of the flu in two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in Europe.

What About Prevention?

Of course, most of us hope to avoid coming down with the flu in the first place. The classic homeopathic medicine to stave off the flu is Influenzinum, made each year by the French firm Dolisos from flu virus strains recommended by the World Health Organization. The usual dosage is one vial of liquid a week (swish the liquid in your mouth briefly and then swallow) for four weeks beginning in October, followed by a fifth vial three weeks later.

Homeopathic prevention has certain advantages over the influenza vaccine...

• Flu shots carry a small but real risk of life-threatening Guillain-Barre syndrome (a devastating viral disorder involving the spinal cord and nerves).
• Flu shots are likely to contain the mercury-derived preservative thimerosol. (Learn more about the dangers of mercury in Daily Health News, September 6, 2005.)

Dr. Carlston adds that the best way to stay well and prevent disease of all kinds lies in consistent dietary and lifestyle decisions to improve long-term health and immunity. This is better than relying on a single pill or shot to prevent any particular ailment.

How to Use Homeopathic Medicine

According to Dr. Carlston, in this country, three out of four people who use homeopathic remedies treat themselves. If you are self-treating, carefully follow instructions on the label for administration and dosage.

Homeopathic medicines come as small pills or drops to be taken under the tongue. Do not touch the medicine, because contact with dirt or oil on the skin can potentially inactivate it. Use a spoon.

If you are taking a homeopathic medicine to treat the flu (as opposed to preventing it), stop taking it once you see an improvement in symptoms.

If you are seeking preventive care, Dr. Carlston says that professional homeopathic treatment is more effective than self-treatment.

To find a homeopathic practitioner in your area, visit the Web site of the National Center for Homeopathy at http://dailyhealthnews.ed10.net/h/D6S2/L714/50/OJFJTS

or the American Institute of Homeopathy at http://dailyhealthnews.ed10.net/h/D6SM/L714/50/OJFJTS.

You also can consult the site of the

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at http://dailyhealthnews.ed10.net/h/2N4A/L714/50/OJFJTS

because naturopathic physicians are trained in homeopathy.

As always, remember that the key to wellness is in your own hands. Keeping fit and healthy the whole year round will give you the best odds to making it through another flu season without getting sick.